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The City of Brotherly Love: Part 4 of 6 -- Local Sites, Restaurants, & Pubs of Philadelphia..... A Series of Blogs.

I would like to start off with a Philadelphia tradition at first. Am I keeping you in suspense? Take a guess.... Philadelphia is so rich in tradition in so many areas, it's hard to keep track of everything that this city of 'Brotherly Love' has to offer. And what I am about to talk about has no certain category or classification. It could easily have gone under Part 2 which was historic sites and the history of Philly. It could also have gone under Part 3 which mentioned the Arts of Philly.

Mummers The Mummers Parade, which finds its roots dating to pre-colonial times, resulted from a blend of Northern European, British and African American heritages.

Informal merrymaking and customs, which can be traced back to 1642, forty years prior to William Penn's arrival were incorporated into the Parade by 1901 when it became a city-sponsored event.

The Mummers are a fixture of the ethnic communities in South Philadelphia, and organized in a number of social clubs principally located on 2nd Street. There is The Mummers Museum dedicated to the history of Philadelphia Mummers at the corner of Washington Avenue and 2 Street.

About 15,000 mummers perform in the New Year's Day parade each year. The 7 mile long parade up Broad Street to City Hall starts early in the morning and much to the consternation of local officials, lasts until it's done. Thousands of Philadelphians line the route and visit open house parties. As a result, New Year's Day, not New Year's Eve is the day to celebrate in Philadelphia. The clubs participating in the televised parade are judged, and several hundred thousand dollars are awarded in prize money.

Local Sites:

longwood gardens

You can take a drive down Kelly Drive which runs along the Schuylkill River . Kelly Drive is also known for its roller blading and pinic tables for any type of get together. You can take trips to Longwood Gardens which is shown on your left or visit Boat House Row shown on your right.

Then there is the Philadelphia Zoo Home Page (Philly Zoo) which is also the oldest zoo in America. You can also visit the Lights of Liberty or Welcome to Penn's Landing, (Penns Landing) which is host to many types of concerts and has an outdoor ice skating rink. All in all, just so many different types of places to visit or actvities to do with the family all year round.

Restaurants & Pubs/Clubs:

Here is a section that could take years to complete. It all depends on your taste of food, which is something that is dear and near to my heart, or should I say stomach. Credit has to go to Stephen Starr, who owns some of the best and well-known restaurants in Philadelphia. This individual has separated himself as a premier owner, one who diversifies in different types of restaurants, from different cultures to an electrifying atmosphere. These are to include: Alma de Cuba, Pod Restaurant, Morimoto, Jones, ANGELINA, Buddakan, Continental Restaurant , , Tangerine and the Striped Bass.

You have such areas as South Street , Old City, , Fairmont Park/Art Museum area, Delaware Avenue, Ben Franklin Parkway, Center City Restaurants , the Main Line area, Rittenhouse Square , Society Hill, the Italian Market area, Manayunk and the South Philadelphia area. These areas mentioned hold 100's to 1,000's of Phillys finest, yet diversified and colorful restaurants. Each one is a must see and actually a 'to die' for depending on your taste buds, which anyone of them can be satisfied in this electric and ecentric city. Here is one of the best online web sites for searching those restaurants and areas that I did not highlight or mention. Search Results :: Philadelphia Restaurant Listings :: Philadelphia And here are two more links available for your taste buds to decide on what would tickle your fancy. Philadelphia Magazine: Best of Philly, Best Restaurants & Philadelphia Restaurant Reviews

These same areas also host some of the finest pubs and or clubs, excluding two such areas as NYC and Miami. Philadelphia can compete with anyone when it comes to a pub and some of the best known musicians that would be considered 'underground'. Philadelphia does have their own identity when it comes to certain types of clubs that offer a certain type of nightlife that is different than those clubs in NYC and Miami. Making Philadlephia a special place to kick back and relax.

Here are a few links to satisfy your thirst or if you want to get those dancing shoes out. Pubs/Bars :Local results for pubs near Philadelphia, PA & Best of Citysearch Philadelphia Clubs/Lounges: Night Clubs Philadelphia Nightclubs and Nightlife & Philadelphia Best Dance Clubs.

fireworks

And for those of you that just want to kick back, have no worries, and just relax with friends and family--you can take a mid year break and watch the Philly fireworks. This is such an awesome display, from Penn's Landing, which can be seen as far away as South Jersey. Philadelphia also holds the same fireworks display for New Year's Eve.

Here are the links to this series of Philadelphia & what it has to offer: Intro : The City of Brotherly Love: The Introduction of Philadelphia & what the city has to offer..... 1. The City of Brotherly Love: Part 1 - Philadelphia Sports ...... A series of blogs. 2. The City of Brotherly Love: Part 2 - The Historic Sites & Famous People of Philadelphia......A series of Blogs. 3. The City of Brotherly Love: Part 3 of 6 -- The Museums, Parks, & The Arts of Philadelphia..... A series of Blogs. And you just finished reading # 4 of a 6 part series. Thanks for reading.

By Jeff Belonger of Assured Lending Corp. "Meeting all of your financial needs for home ownership" jbelonger@assuredlendingcorp.com

Posted by Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages - USDA loans on 11/26/2006 10:58 PM

Comments (36)

philadelphia, jeff belonger, jeffmortgageman, philly bars, philly restaurants, philly clubs, mummers

This post has been included in Pennsylvania Information Philadelphia County, PA Information Philadelphia, PA Information

36 Comments on The City of Brotherly Love: Part 4 of 6 -- Local Sites, Restaurants, & Pubs of Philadelphia..... A Series of Blogs.

NOV

2006

I found it intriguing that your explaination of mummers is detailed but when you go to the museum site, there IS no explanation. Go figure!

Carole.... just too much to explain in such a short time and or area.... I would have to do a 12 part series in order to get more detailed with everything that I have mentioned.

I already have a job.... lol This has been part time and feels like a full time job. I can't take that much time. When would I sleep? I couldn't ask you to sleep for me, you don't even do that yourself.... lol

So... what did you think at least? lol Is this a complaint? lol If so, call my publicist. ;o)

No silly, it was a compliment? You gave more info the museum does NOT. lol You and your publicist can sleep without worry. I can understand what a mummer is from your explanation. Nite now! LOL

oh... okay.... I think. What's my name? I need sleep. By the way, I did point out that The nation's first art museum and school of fine arts is the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. And that Walnut Street Theatre was the first theatre in America. It's scary, after all of this research, that Philly has a lot of firsts in many areas.... and not just your being the first city to make hay or a backwards knife.... lol Some important areas of society and in America.

Okay, me need sleep.

NOV

2006

Yes for sure because Pennsylvania was settled early. Of course if you reveiw Massachusetts history, things get even earlier! Good night!

You can dedicate a whole blog to the Mummers' Parade. Good info, Jeff!

Signed,

Brian Brady, Liberty Comic Division Mummer, 1982

Jeff, you are doing a great job on these. Lots of work. I don't think I had heard of mummers until recently on AR.

Excellent as always. I liked Carole's comment about the Mummer's Museum. It's pretty much true....go figure.

Jeff, maybe there's a job waiting for you at 2nd & Washington :^)

33 years in the parade, ....presently :

Bryson NYB (errrr New Years Brigade).

Tough to cover 'everything' about Philly, but you did a masterful job in hitting many, many of its attractions. Meetcha at Downey's for a pint.

Great job Jeff! i enjoy reading all the details and your photos are great. Awesome!

Carole..... so you had the first wicth hunts and burnings. Anything else? lol Teasing..... several of the East Coast states have a lot of firsts in this and firsts in that. But in all honesty, Philly has a lot of firsts in some big categories. Thanks for mentioning this though. Maybe in my 30th hour of the day, I'll do a blog on Massachusetts. ;o)

Brian...... thanks for the compliment. What haven't you done? You sound like myself. That you have done a lot in your life.

Maureen.... Thanks for the heart warming compliment. It is a lot of work,but I have actually learned a lot.And still 2 more parts to go.

Rob....... thanks for the great compliment. In regards to 2nd & Washington...... just not enough hours in the day. And yes, it is tough to cover everything about Philly. Especially naming restaurants and pubs and the clubs.

If I ever leave anything out, I hope someone lets me know. And sure, would love to meet ya at Downey's. It's on Front Street & the corner of South Street, if anyone wants to meet Rob and I. I was just there 3 weeks ago.

Monika...... thanks for the polite comment. You snuck in under the radar when I was thanking everyone else. Thanks again.

"Brian...... thanks for the compliment. What haven't you done? You sound like myself. That you have done a lot in your life."

He hasn't finalized our working together just yet 8^)... but I think Brian and I are going to do just fine. I can cover his PA work and leave him a happy client.

I was taken aback when Brian told me on the phone (from sunny SD....grrrrrrrr......) he had been in the Mummers. I'm SO used to people not knowing what a Mummer is. Basically, even in Philly...ya either love 'em, or hate 'em.

I've led a charmed life, Jeff. Fortunately, my parents always encouraged me to try everything.

BTW, the current Phanatic has also marched up Broad when he was in high school.

The Mummer routine when you are in the Comic Division...and live "an hour" from Philly.

1) Go to bed at 10:00pm New Years Eve (unless you are in the 16-35 yr old range).

2) Wake up at 3:30ish in the morning New Years Day.

3) Confirm that the temperature really IS 15 degrees and the parade is probably a 'Go' (no rain/snow.)

4) Think about eating but decide to have a beer instead.

5) Bring in your gold painted 'sneakers' from outside. Yes, they are frozen......oooooooops.

6) Put on thermal bottoms and top...heavy socks.....decide on what else to add depending on weather report.

7) Add dyed panty hose (HOW DO YOU GIRLS EVER GET THEM ON SO EASILY????????). Hardest part of the day.

8) Put on satin bloomers (hey...no chuckles). Put on satin 'wench' dress. (You'll have to google 'Mummer Wench" to figure that one out).

9) Now it's REALLY getting hot, because despite the temp outside, the heat is on inside to accomodate wifey and the water pipes.

10) Finish beer and say "geeze, that didn't taste so great"

11) Have a 1/2 cup coffee as time is NOT on your side.

12) Put on your Golden Slippers (gold painted sneaks mentioned above).

13) Pull out your assortment of greasepaint and make up your face.

14) Curse once or twice as it looks like crap (though no one cares).

15) Check your bag (satin purse with longgggg strap)....tissues, brandy, pins, money, brandy, cell phone, gloves (dyed the same color as costume, brandy..)

16) Give wifey a kiss because she knows that to interrupt earlier during this early morning mess...just means a stare from me that says "I know I'm an idiot...let me perfect it in peace" .

17) REALLY REALLY hot now........

18) Look outside and remember car is not defrosted.....GRRRRRR......

19) Add 'Wench Wig" (long braided wig)

20) Grab decorated umbrella.... hop in car.....

21) Hop out of car....forgot purse.....

22) Drive an hour to clubhouse on TWO STREET (2nd Street).

23) Realize you are 'late' per the requested meet time......then notice only 12 of you are there out of 150.

24) Have to pee....a chore as the bloomers and panty hose are not guy friendly.

25) 7:00...hit the street....walk 13 blocks to the Beginning of the parade.

26) Strut up Broad Steet......life is good.

27)..... plan on the 'after parade parade on 2 street at 5:00PM...Hhhmm.....how am I gonna get there....where's my car.....etc....

28) Party on 2 street until someone in your family finds you laying in a gutter....smiling.....usually around 10:00pm

29) Wake up next day and say........"that was my last parade", I'm too old for this.....thankfully, you took off work on Jan. 2.

30) .....tick, tick, tick....November comes around..."Hey...where's my costume?"

Rob..... it' is comical in a certain sense..... I am sure 70% of Philly and NJ have never been to a mummers parade, even after living here for 10 yrs plus. And I know some people got upset when they started cracking down on the drinking part... but with anything big, as long as you don't bring attention to yourself or act as a drunken fool, they leave you be.

Brian..... hey, a charmed life is great.... it has made me a better person and able to deal with people a lot easier becasue of my life experiences... and I can bring this to the table when speaking to client. Maybe relate to them better. I find this as a great asset and I am sure that you do also.

Rob...... awesome. Thanks for giving us the inside scoop of a mummer. I knew a few of these, and it sounds tough, but overall, when you are done.... truly gratifying. But I would need 2 days off.... lol

It's not too bad...the Brandy is better than the "Green Swill" the young pups drink ...I think they empty out their parents liquor cabinet and add antifreeze :^)

The vast majority are there to just have a good time and entertain the spectators. Especially the kids. I mean, it's sometimes REALLY cold.....and you HAVE to thank people for coming out for hours and hours.

Hey Jeff, That mummers parade sound like quite a bit of fun. Rob's routine was too funny. I've never been to Philly but may have to give it a go sometime. Very interesting series. Thanks.

This isn't my group...but will give you an idea of a 'wench' costume.

Each group of course wears different colors/different 'themes'....

http://philadelphia.about.com/library/gallery/bl2005mummers347.htm

Rob..... I am sure that there were some very cold days. And yes, you have to keep warm, but drinking only makes you think that you are warm.... lol I myself would prefer the better stuff than an okay beer. But as you said, the younger ones don't really care. It's the atmosphre.

Bryant.... Thanks for the compliment. Yes, Rob's comment was fun to read. I can say that I have experienced it, but possibly some things that take place during that day, I have experienced them in my life. It was interesting to read.

And as I have said in my other comments in regards to the other parts of this series, if you or you and TLW ever decide to come up, give me a shout. I would love to be your tour guide. It could be interesting and fun to say the least.

Rob...... don't worry about this not being your blog or even that it wasn't your group... from what I think, isn't there like 4 major categories or groups?... any links or comments are always welcomed. thanks

Jeff - you are right about the 'beverage'. Sometimes we break down and have a hot choc :^)

The 'Wench Brigades" broke off a few years ago...so in addition are Goodtimers, Hammond, Landi, Liberty Clowns and Pural (Pural was just for sale....not sure where they stand). Now that is just the COMIC DIVISION.

For spectators, the Fancy, Stringband and Fancy Brigade divisions are AWESOME. (That's why they put we goofballs first and earliest in the parade.)

Sorry I made little comment on your other 'things to see'. It's just that New Year's is getting close I guess. The one I really like and you mentioned is Longwood Gardens...though outside of Philly, it's spectacular, and that whole area in Chaddsford is so peaceful. I visit the Brandywine River Museum every year...the Wyeth family is pretty interesting. (And I'm a sucker for ANY art museum).

I think you may be the perfect Philly tour guide. Let me know if the Floridians ever head north....I'll buy a tour ticket.

whats the best place to get a philly cheesesteak?

I love driving the Schuylkill at night to see Boathouse Row.

Brian & Rob-mummers....I'm impressed. My great uncle was a mummer back in the day, Fancy Division.

Eddy-There is nothing like a Philly Cheessteak. And you can not find them anywhere else. Some say Pat's, other's say Geno's. I say neither because they are tourist attractions. If you ask me, I say 10th & Oregon. Oddly, it's located at 10th & Oregon in South Philly. Now I'm hungry.

Rob...... don't worry about the little comments. Just filling us in on your experiences has been priceless and I have enjoyed it.

Eddy...... Well.... I happen to read down and read what Ann had mentioned. And I agree with you.... Pat's & Geno's are attractions.... they aren't bad... but there are several others that are very good. Tony Luke's is a great place for Cheese steaks...but better yet, roast beef and roast pork... and Ostritch.

Ann....... gee....I started this about an hour ago, this comment, my phone rang... and now I can come back to this.... lol Anyhow... Ann, boathouse row is extremely pretty at night, along the Schuylkill River. Look familiar?

boathouse row at night

Hard to see, but you get the idea. This is Boathouse Row at night. During the holidays and with snow....extremely pretty and surreal.

NOV

2006

Boathouse Row is such a spectacular sight that I'm surprised there are not more accidents on the 'SureKill Expressway' as people drive by and gawk.

Ann...a mummer (former) in the family... Any pics? I will assume he grew up in Philly...correct?

Rob..... that's a good point. Or even on Kelly drive which is behind this spectacular view.

Rob-my grandmother has the pictures stashed away somewhere. My family is from Philly (Germantown) and I was born and raised in Lower Bucks (right outsite the great Northeast)

Jeff, Another fine post. I never actually went to a Mummer's parade in almost 30 years living there, but saw many on TV. Rob's schedule is hilarious, and for many very real, from stories I have heard. When talking to someone from outside the area, I recall getting the question - "what the heck is a Mummer?" I think it is also one of the longest parades around.

Ann... where do you live again?

Adam... thanks for the nice compliment. And yes, Rob's list of events was good. I enjoyed that. And yes, it is long, hence the reason so many drink.... lol

NOV

2006

This is probably my favorite out of your whole series. I do like the introduction, but this gives so much information and what to do in Philadelphia. I did like the historic sites of Philly, because I love history and it's interesting. But this has a different flair to it and many sites to visit or eat at.

DEC

2006

If anyone has any other ideas about sending these as a series of blogs into the new papers, the local TV, copy righting these and anything else, I would greatly appreciate and help, contacts, and or feedback. Ravi had sent me something and Rob was looking into something.

By the way Rob... anything? ;o)

DEC

2006

Jim.... I skipped over you... thanks for your comments and the compliment.

Jeff - Nothing yet...I started looking around last week, just some web searching, and just got hammered in workload here. (That's a good thing).

Keep reminding me though. The 'final answer' may just be a 'mass mailing' to 5-10 publications/TV providing a summary ,the AR link and your contact info.

I indirectly know Kathy Orr through a friend of a friend..... she can do the weather and promote your Blog :^)

Rob.... not a biggie.........busy is a great ...

You know Kathy Orr?? Cool. I do plan on getting in contact with the local stations and newspapers next week. I just opened up my new office... and so much going on.

Thanks for the update and we should talk by the weekend... thanks